Protests erupt in Old City over shop demolitions by HYDRAA in Akbar Nagar

Hyderabad: Tensions escalated in the Old City on Thursday as a demolition operation by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRAA) agency led to unrest in Akbar Nagar, Chandrayangutta. The drive was carried out to remove unauthorised shops, with a large police presence deployed to maintain order.

Residents strongly opposed the demolition, resulting in heated confrontations with law enforcement. Some locals climbed onto demolition equipment and others lay in front of the JCB in an attempt to halt the operation. The situation turned chaotic as police attempted to disperse the crowd.

Several AIMIM leaders joined the protest, criticising the actions of HYDRAA and demanding accountability. Slogans were raised against HYDRAA and its Commissioner AV Ranganath. They alleged that the demolition was carried out in violation of court orders. They announced that they would file a contempt petition in the court.

Police detained a number of protestors to prevent further escalation. Residents alleged the demolitions were conducted without proper notice and claimed they were not given an opportunity to respond before the action was taken.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement clarifying the basis and scope of the operation.